Machine for stamping and sealing envelops.



L. M. NIELSEN & H. WELLER. MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELOPE.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 26, 1806.

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APPLICATION FILED D20. 26, 1906. Patented Dec. 13, 1910.

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APPLIOATIOH Patented Dec. 13, 1910.

L. M. NIELSEN & H. WELLER; MACHINE FOB STAMPING AND SEALING ENVBLOPS.

APPLICATION n-Lnn D20. 20, 1905.

Patented Dec. 13,1910.

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APPLICATION FILED D30. 86, 1905. Patented Dec. 13

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A'PPLIOATIOF FILED D110. 26, 1906. Patented Dec. 13,

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APPLICATION FILED D110. 28, 1906. Pat'ented Dec. 13

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L. M. NIELSEN & H. WELLER. MACHINE FOB STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELOPS.

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I L. M. NIELSEN & H. WELLER. MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SEALING BNVELOPS.

APPLICATION FILED mm. as, 1905.

' Patented 'Dec. 13, 1910.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LAURITS M. NIELSEN AND HENRY WELLER, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNORS,

-BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO NIELSEN MAILING MACHINERY COMPANY, OF ERIE,

PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELOPS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 13, 1910.

Application filed December 26, 1905. Serial No. 293,276.

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that we, LAURITS M. NIELSEN and HENRY WELLER, both of Boston, county of Suflolk, and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Stampin and Sealing Envelops; and we hereby eclare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification. a a

This invention relates to improvements in machines for applying vstamps to envelops and for sealing said envelops.

One object of this'invention is to so conthis character that the envelops may have stamps app1ied thereto at the feeding in end of the machme and a may thereafter be sealed.

Another object of construct a machine the o eration of the stamping mechanism may e controlled by the presence of .an envelop. A

Another objectof the invention is to so construct a stamp ,afiixing machine that the a cutter shall be automatically controlled y the presence of a stamp in place to be fed to the stamp affixing mechathe invention is to so "nism.

Another object of the invention is to so construct a'stamp aflixing machine that the operation ofthe stamp sheet feedmay be controlled by the presence of a stamp on the stripfeed. a

Another object of the-' invention is to improve the construction of the stamp strip cutter whereby less delicacy of adjustment isrequired therein.

Another ob ect of -the invention is to so construct anenvelop sealing machine that the same may 0 crate on envelops varying considerably in size, and in the size and proportion of the envelop flaps.

Another object of the invention is to so construct a stamp affixing machine that stamps of various sizes may be used therein.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description of the machine and of its operation.

The invention consists in the means whereby the envolops are fed to the machine and in the mechanism for opening the flap, for moistening the gunnned surface thereof of this character that and for closing the flap against the body of the envelop.

The invention also consists in an envelop sealin and stamping machine having means whereliy a stamp may be applied to the envelop prior to the sealing of the envelop.

The invention also consists in the means whereby the envelo is fed through the machine and in the a justable features of said means whereby envelops having flaps of various sizes may be fed therethrough and sealed. a.

The invention also consists in the envelop sealing and stamping mechanism and in the means for controlling the stamping mechanism adapted to be actuated by the presence of'an envelop. I

The invention also consists in the means for feeding forward the sheet of stamps.

The invention also consists in the improved stamp strip cutter.

The invention also consists in a stamp feed mechanism comprising a stamp sheet feed and a stamp strip feed so constructed that after the feeding of the last stamp in the strip to a predetermined position from which it may be afiixed to an envelop the stamp sheet feed and the stamp strip cutter are brought into action without reference to the number of stamps in the strip.

The invention also consists in the means for detecting the presence of a stamp on the stamp strip feed.

The invention also consists in a stamp afiixin machine having a stamp strip'cutter and an: adjustable age whereby stamps of different sizes may he cut in strips from the sheet.

The invention also consists in the peculiar stamp cutter and in the means for operating the same.

The invention also consists in the mechanism for positioning the stamp to be afiixed to the envelop.

The invention also consists in the stamp position moistener.

The invention also consists in the'clutch .above this edge is sup orted the frame 23,

which is mounted on t e braces 24-24 extending from the frame 21, the opening between the frames and 23 formingl a pas-' ing respectively the spur gears 39and 40.'

The shafts'42, 43 43 of the gears 34,

' extend through hearings in the sidebars 44 and 45 which are secured together b ally between the frames20 and 21. Between these side bars 44 and.45 are mounted on said shafts the rolls 48 and 49-49 which are free to slide on said shafts but are de signed to rotate therewith. The shaft of the bevel gear 35 is journaled in the bracket 50 as well as in that, marked 20 and has the roll sections 51--52. The shafts of the bevel gears 36-36 are journaled in the frames 20 and 21 and are furnished between said frames with the rolls 49'-49' which form art of the final pressure mechanism.

To t e side bar 44 are secured the extensions 53--53 which are free to move in openings in the frame 20 and, at the portions which extend. beyond such frame, carry pivoted rods 5454 which, at their lower ends, are fixed to. the rod- 55 rotatable in the bearings 56-56, which extend from the frame 20, and having the lever 57 by means of which the rod 55 is rocked in its hearings to effect the swinging of the rods 54-54 to draw the extensions 53--53 and the frame formed "by the bars 44-45 toward 'the frame20,

thus also drawing the rolls 48, and; 49 -49 along their respective-shafts when necessary to avoid an envelop flap of unusual size when such is passing throughthemachine. When operating onenvelops of ordinary size the bars 44 and 45 and the rolls 48 and 49- 49 occupy the position shown in full lines in Fig. 7.

The ear "39, on the shaft of the bevel gear '32 mes es with the spur ear 58 on the d in the frames 20 and 21'and has the gear 60 and pinion 61. On the shaft 59 is the roll 64 and ashaft' 59 which is jonrnale similar roll 65 is mounted on the shaft 66 which is journaled in blocks as .67 of any usual form of take up mechanism mounted on the frames 20'21 whereby the distance between the rolls 64 and 65 may be adjusted to stretch the friction be1t 68 carried by said rolls.

Mounted at the inner side of the frame 20 is the flap opening blade 69 which has a the. 'braces 4646 and are adapted to slide aterhorizontal extension 69' reaching nearly .to the inner line of the frame 21 where it is curved downward to form the member 70, by means of which the envelop flap is held open, the flap being guided between said member 70 and the plate 71 while the envelop passing beneath the stamp applying position on its way to the moistening roll, the fact that the flap is at this time approximately at a right angle with the body of the envelop preventing the swerving of the body of the envelop from its patlr during this 'movenlent.

- The envelo'i flap moistenlng means comprises a water tank 72, located at the lower part of the machine, in which operates the verticall extending disk 73 having a surface of a sorbcnt material adapted to receive moisture from the tank and deliver it at the upper part of the disk to the periphery of the vertically journaled moisture ap ly ing roll .74, as shown in" Fig. 4; the disk 73 is mounted on the shaft,75 which is journaled in hearings in the frame 20 and is provided with the gear 76 which is driven from the gear 77, rotatable un the shaft 78,

on the frame 20 to which gear is fixed the gear 79 meshing with the gear 80 on the shaft of the bevel roll-gear 34, see Fig. 7.

The'shaft of the moisture applying roll 74 is joiirnaled in a bracket 81 which extends from the-side of the tank 72 and has the resser roll 82, said shaft being furnished with the bevel gear 83, which is engaged with the bevel gear 84 rotatably'mounted on a stud shaft extending from the side of the tank and having the spur gear 85 which is engaged bv and driven from the spur ear 80 on the shaft 87, this latter shaft eing journaled in the bracket 88 removably secured to the outer portion of the frame 21, this shaft having the sprocket 89 which is driven by the chain 90 working on said sprocket and on the sprocket 91 on the shaft 36 of the first or inner of the pinions 36. The chain 90 is tightened by means'of the tension device 93 mounted on the arm 94. pivoted to frame 21, and bearing on said chain. i

In order to permit the removal of the tank 72, and the mechanism attached thereto, the frame 21 is furnished with the opening bypassing between the pairs of final ressure rolls as will hereafter be describe '21" Fig. 1, sufiiciently large to permit the otally mounted onthe frame 21 are the curved arms 9797 each of which has an extension '99 carrying a set screw 100 adapted,.to rest against t-ne projections 21 21 extending from said frame when the free ends of said arms 9797 are pressed downward-bythe springs 101101 engaged with,

the toothed surfaces of the inclined mem-' bers 21'=-21 and with the extensions 99'of the arms. Likewise, on the frame member 23.

is pivoted a series of curved arms 102-,102 having-extensions 103-103 carrying the set screws 104104 which limit the downward movement of said arms by meeting the projections 2323 when the free ends of the arms 102-102 are pressed downward by the springs 105-405 engaged with the exten slons 10 3103 of the arms and with the toothed surfaces of the projections 23 -423 of this frame member 23. On shafts carried in the free ends of the pairs of arms 97-'9' 7 and 102*102 are the presser rolls 106 106 which bear against the complemental rolls carried by the frames 20 and 21.- By this system of mounting the rolls 106-106 these rolls may move upward considerably to allow the passage of ij'omparatively thick envelops, between the rolls, while the springs 101- and 105 tend to depress the free endsof' the arms 97 and l02 topress the rolls 103-106 toward the lower series of rolls.

At the feeding in end of the machine, at which end is the feed belt 68, is fixed to the frames 21 and 23 the inclined plate 107 from which depend the curved spring fingers 108-108. In the frames 21 and 23 respec-' tively, adjacent the plate 107,'are the openlugs 109+110through which the shaft 11] of the separator roll 112 extends, this roll having the enlargements 113 of friction-material between which the fingers 108 extend; the end portions of the shaft lll are'journa-led in the free ends of the arms 114 and 115 movably mounted respectively on the frames 21 and 23, and means are provided for lifting said shaft 111, this means consisting of the lever 116 pivotally mounted on the inner side of-the frame 23 having a fur ger which extends beneath theshaft 111.

The shaft 111 has the large gear 117 which is driven through the gear 118 journaled on a stud shaft extendlng from said arm 115 which in. turn is driven by the gear. 119 journale'd on the pivot of .the arm 115' and meshing with the gear 120 rota table on. a stud of frame 21 which is driven by the pinion 60 on the shaft 59.

Below the roll 112 is'the larger friction I roll 121 the shaft 122 of which is free to move vertically in openings in the frames 20 and 21 the end portions of this shaft being journaled in the ends of the arms sides of the frames 20-21 and supportedby the sprin s as 125 bearing againstfixed parts of said frames and against the free ends of said arms. The arm 124 is pivoted on the shaft 59 and has the rotatable idle gear 126 which engages with the pinion .61, on the shaft 59 and withthe gear 127 on the shaft 122. Thus the shafts 111 and 122 are-free to move towardand from each other to a certain degree, under strain, and are driven in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 2. I By this means when a mum the lowermost envelop is fed forward by the roll 121 while the enlargements 113 of the whereby the envelops are fed between said rolls separately; the spring fingers 108108 also tending to resist the passage of more than one envelopat a time.

the frame 20 .and has the gear 40, see Fi 2, which 'mesheswith the, gear 131 the sha t of 20 and 21 and carries a feed roll which is complemental to the roll 132 which latter roll is journaled in arms as 133 pivoted to the frames 23 and 21 and spring pressed at their free ends by springs acting against said end and againstfixcd parts of the machine. The gear 131 is driven through the gear 40 by the gear 134 onthe shaft 136 which is journaled in bearings inthe frames 20 and 21 and has, at the end beyond the frame 21-, the ratchet 137 adapted to be engaged by a pawl, hereafter described, of the driving mechanism.

Complemental to the roll. 138, on one of the first gears 34, is the roll 13 9 mounted on the shaft 140 which is journaled in the free ends of arms 141 pivoted to the frames 21 and 23 and pressed downward by springs.-

On the shaft 136 is mounted for independent rotation a sleeve having the pawl plate 14-4, carrying the pivoted pawl 145, and the gear 146,'while the gear 147, fixed to the shaft 136, is driven by the pinion 148 on a bracket and has the belt pulley 150 driven by a belt from a motor of any well known construction. hen, therefore, the pulley 150 is operated, motion is transmitted therefrom to the shaft 136 and thence hymeans bevel gears 33 and 28 whereby the shaft 26 and the mechanism connected tllQIOWlth 1 driven.

The shaft 151 is mounted to rock in the frames 21 and 23 and has the detector finger 1 152 which extends downward through the 123124 pivotally mounted at the outer ber' of envelops are present on the 'belt 68- roll 112 drive the uppermost envelops back,

which isjournaled in bearings of the frames the shaft 149 which shaft is j-ournaled in of the gear 134 to the gear 40, driving the The shaft of the gear 33- isjournaled in opening 69 in the flap opener plate 69 beingsustained bycne edge Of'SPl-ld o ning,

'the endportion of the shaft-151 outside the .frames 21- (see Fig; 1) being furnished with the arm 154, with'the insulatedfinger 155 at its free end-.- The arm 154-swin adjacent to the electric insulation block 156 which is supported from the frame 21 and has the terminals 157 and 158. Between the terminals .157 and 158 ismounted to swing the metallic circuit closer 160 having the'projections 161 and 162 and pivoted on the block 156 is the lever 163' having an-endpf insulating mate-' rial which en ages the projection 161. J our.

naled in the rames 21 and 23is the shaft 165 which is furnished, at thisrl oint, with the "cam. 166; between the bloc i156 andthe frame 21 is the'spr0eket167 which-is secured to this-shaft while on said shaft between the frames 21 and*23 is mountedt-he cam 168 the purpose of which'will hereafter be 'd'e scribed.

The. electric circuit X- -Y connected with the terminals 157 and 158 includes a battery B, 'or any other source of electric current, and also the coils of the magnet M, mounted at the outer side ofthe frame 21; the arma-,

. ture A of said magnet is pivotall connected downward movement of the arm169 being limited by the bottom of the slot 171 of the vertically swinging lever v172 having the stop 173 and the cam edge 174 at its upper end; the sn'ihg 175 tending to draw this .end of sai lever 172 toward the plate and hold the cam edge 174 against the pin 176 of the lever 169.

While the arm 169 is in the normal position it bears against the notched end of. the

pawl 145 and holds the toothed end thereof out of engagement witht'he ratchet 137, so

that the plate 144 with its gear 146 and the mechanism in driving connection therewith is normally inoperative. When, however, the free end of the arm 169is drawn upward by the drawing action of the ma et M on its armature A, the toothed end 0 the pawl 145 is swung into engagement with one of the teeth of the ratchet 137 and is held in such engagement so long as the arm 169 is held out of the path of the pawl. The upper end of the lever 172, when the arm 169 swings upward, is moved away from the.

periphery of the plate 144 but, when the arm 169 is allowed to drop back into place, the upper end of this lever is drawn toward the periphery of said late and engages the stop 153 extending rom said periphery, whereby the rotation of this plate and the secured to said arm 169,

nected therewith is prevented.

'Motion is transmitted from the gear 146, when its plate 144 is connected by the engagement of the pawl 145withthe ratchet 137, through the gears 177 and 17 8 and their shaft, whlch is journaled in the, frame 21 'and in the frame of the stamping machine (see Fig. 5),-to the gear 179 the shaft180 of which is journaled in the frame of the stamping machine and is furnished withthe 'spr0cket181, connected by the chain 182 with the sprocket 167 on the shaft 165; the 'stamp sheet feed the stamp strip cutter and feed-.andthe single stamp cutter and feed being driven by mechanism operated by the gear 17 9 as shallhereafter be describe On the 'end of the shaft 165 outside the frame 23 is the gear 183 and on this shaft is mounted to swing the arm 184 carrying the rotatable gear 185 which meshes with free endof said arm and a so in a yielding bearing 188 mounted bu the inner part ofthe lar ed water reservoir 189 an opening in the perlpheral wall of which is furnished witli the fibrous pad 190 through which water may work, this pad being located in line wi h the path in which stamps are to be ap 'ed to the envelops. Water issupplied to this hollow shaft 187 through the opening 191 which is adapted to be closed in any well known manner. a Below the reservoir 189 is .the envelop supporting roll 192 which is rotatably mounted 1n bearings supported from the frame 21, and adjacent to this roll is the roll 193 similarly mounted.

On the bracket 194 mounted on the frame 21 is pivoted the lever 195 to one end of which isdpivoted the rod 196 having at its lower en the fork 197, which engages the shaft 165, and the bearing 198 which is in the path of the cam 168. On the other end of said lever 1951s pivotally mountd the the'rod 200 1s slidably mounted, this rod having the adjusting nut 201, working on a screw thread of the rod, .and the pin 202 between which and the stud 199 is the expansion spring 203.

The lower end of to an extension from the curvedirame 204, pivotally mounted on the stud 205 extending from the main frame member 21, and having at its free end the tangentially extendon which the tube 208 is free to rotate this 'tube having a bore considerably diameter than the diameter of said stud; at. the outer end of said arms 206 is journaled the friction roll 209 free to rotate when brought to bear against a moving surface further operation of the mechanism con-- tlfd'gear4183 and with the gear 186 on the. hollow shaft 187 which is i'ournaled in theframe 21." ThisLhollow shaft has the enthe rod 200 is pivoted transversely perforated stud 199 in which ing arms 206-206 carrying the stud 207 a larger in terial.

vertical slots, in the bars 219-and 220 the On the pivot 205 is also pivotally and yield= ingly mounted the arms 210 having at their free end the stamp receiving plate 211. This plate 211 is normally located at the inside of the opening, in the frame 21 through which the single stamp is fed and approximately in the path in which the stamp is fed, see Fig. 4, as this plate is designed to receive the stamp and support the same immediately prior to its application to the previously moistened stampreceivin surface. To permit of the peculiar application of the stamp to the envelop hereinafter described the plate 211 ispreferably narrower, in the direction in which'the envelop moves, than the stamp. h

Mounted at a distance from the frame 21, to accommmlate the mechanism located therebetween. and connected to said frame by braces 213 is the frame plate 215, of thestamp feeding and cutting mechanism, this plate 215 being'in. turn connected with the frame plate 216. On the upper portions of these frames and 216'are the side bars 219 and 220 of the stamp sheet feed. These bars are connected attheir rear ends by the cross member. 221 and are furnished with the blocks as- 222 slidably mounted on said bars and being adjustable thereon by means of the threaded rods 224-225 secured to said blocks and extending through perforations in cars depending from the cross member 22]., the rods having adjusting nuts 226 and 227.

In the blocks 222 223 is journalcd the shaft. 228 having the sprocket 229 and in bearings at the front ends of the side bars 219 and 220 is journaled the shaft 230 and on these shafts 228 and 230 is mounted the flexible belt 231, preferably of elastic ma- Above the shaft 230 is mounted in rod 232 having circular disks which ride on the belt .231 or on a sheet of stamps on .said belt.. By means of the bearing of these disks the sheet of stamps is held flat as it passes over the front end of the belt, and is I prevented from lifting with the 'upward' movement of'the stamp strip cutter.

'Inthe frames 215 and 216 is journal ed" the shaft 234 having. the sprocket 235. the

loose gear236 and the fiXed'gear 23-7 on the sprocket 235 is engaged the chain 238 which works-over the sprocket 229.

The loose gear 236 meshes with the gear 240 which is fixed on the shaft. 241, jour-' naled in'bearings of theiframe 215 and the bracket 242 extending from said frame. On this shaft 241 is slidably mounted the clutch member 243 fixed against independent rotation, spring pressedfrom the gear 240, 'i lnd having the cam 244 and furnished with the pins 245 adapted to engage between corresponding pins 246 of the gear 247 which is normally loose on the shaft 241 and meshes with the gear 237 of the shaft 234, the engagement of the pins 245 of the clutch member 243 with the pins 246 of the gear 247 effecting the connection of said gear 247 with the shaft 241 to drive the same and the gear 237.

At the outer end of the shaft 234 is fixed the cam 248 having a suitable cam. path and on this portion of said shaft works the slot tedplate 250 having the bearing 251 working 111 the cam path. 'On the 11 per end of the plate 250- is the rod 252 whic' is pivoted to the corresponding end of the upper cutter member 253 of the stamp stri this member 253 being pivoted to 619 lower cutter member 254 fixed at this end-of the frames 215 and 216. The upper cutter member is furnished'near its free end with the cutter,

stamp strip guide plate 256 whichprev'ents' the curlin upward of the strip of stamps passing thereunder.

1 Pivotally mounted on brackets 257-258.

at the upper portions of the frames 215 and 216 is the gage plate 259 having the projection '260 agamst which the block 255 may bear in the downward movementof the upper cutter member 253'to swing the gage plate 259 slightly away from the stamp strip as-it is finally severed from" the sheet.

The outward movement of the gage plate 259 on its pivots is lightly resisted by the spring presser 261 which comprises a rod pivotally connected to the (gage plate and having a spring which ten s to press the gage plate toward the upper cutter member,

said rod projecting through an opening pro vided in a. bracket 263 which is mounted upon a fixed part of the machine as shown in Figs. 5. 5 and 9; it is further noted that the bracket 263 acts as a stop to liinit the swinging of the gage plate 259 upon its pivots. i A

Journaled in the frames 215 and 216 is the shaft 264. havingithe bevel gear 265, thecam 266, the gear 267, the cam 268 and the bevel gear 269 fast thereon. Meshing with the gear 265 is the bevel gear 270 of the shaft 271 journaled in bearings at right angles to the shaft 264 and having the hand pulley 272 by which the stamp strip feed bands 273-.273 are driven, these bands working over-the pulleys 274, 275 and 276,

the upper reach of these bands being some what below the upper edge of the lower fixed cutter member 254.

Pivotallymounted on the frame 277 is the stamp strip-detector 278 having the feeler finger 279 which is adapted to pass down between the bands"273-273-at times. To this detector 278 "is pivoted. the,rod- 280 forked atits lower end to work on the shaft 264; and: having which the cam 266 works; from this rod 280 depends the member 282' connected tothe pivotally mounted and spring retracted lethe bearing 281 {againstver 283, this lever 283 being in turn conwith the cam actuating nected by the rod 285 uide with pin 286 slidabl mounted in a which the brac at 242 is supplie said pin the stem strip cutter. When however the pin 286 is drawn downward by the downward movement of the member 282,- or when the finger 279 is not sustained by a stamp. on

the stampstrip feed-at the point. of delivery I tothe single stamp'cutter, the spring will press the clutch member into engagement with the ins of the gear 247, and said gear will be riven, the motion thereof being transmitted by the gear 237 to theshaft 234 whereby the upper cutter member 253 and strip feed bands,

the stamp sheet feed belt 231 is operated by its chain 238 "tdfeed forward the sheet, or.

part of a sheet of stamps thereon until the edge of the sheet contacts with the gage plate 259 when the cutter 253 is brought downand severs a strip of stamps from said sheet-L v i In the frame 215, in the path of the stain 7 is formed an opening and at the outer side of this frame 215, toward the frame21, below said 0 ening, is fixed the lower member 289.0'f t e single stamp cutter, *theupper member 290 of which is pivotallymounted at the corresponding side of the frame 215, this upper pivoted member 290 havin the rod 291 pivoted thereto,

the lower en of this rod being forked, to embra'cethe shaft 264, and having a bearing which rides in the path .of the cam 268. At

the side of the cutter member 290 is the presser 294 carried on said cutter member, this presser being adapted to yieldingly bear on the stamp strip adjacent to the cutter member 290 from which extends the finger 297 and to the outer surface of the free end of the cutter member 290 is fixed a frame having a shaft on which the presser disk 299 is mounted, the bore of this disk being considerably larger in diameter than the shaft on which it is mounted. Secured to the said outer. surface of the frame 215 are the plates 300 and 301 which have the arms 302-303 extending through an opening in the frame 21 opposite the location of the stamp receiving plate. In the lower portions of these plates 300 and 301 is journaled the shaft 304 having the bevel gear 305, meshingwith the bevel gear 269 of the shaft 264, and the band puhlrey 306. Between the plates 300 and 301 are otatably mounted the band guide rolls 307, 308, and 309 on which is mounted the single-stamp feed .belt 310 the upper reach of which is approximately on the level-of the upper reach of the stamp strip feed bands.

Pivotally mounted at the upper portions.

1e opera- Y a The forw ar of the plates 300 and 301 is the stamp gage plate and ate 311 which swings downward between said plates 300-301 approximately to the surface of the feed belt 310; the ivoted portion of this gage late has ,the at arm 31 2 at one side-whic is connected by the spring 313 with some fixed part of the machine, whereby when the free end of said arm is swung slightly past the axis on which it is pivoted the spring 313 acts to completethe movement in the particular direction, this movement being limited b' the arm 314,

on said pivoted portion of t e gage late 311, working between-the stops 315 an 316' extendingfrom the plate 300, see Fig. 9, and the initial movement of said gage plate being effected by the finger 297 o the cutter member 290 striking the lips 317 or 318 of the arm 314 tosw'ing the gage plate 311 open on the downward stroke of thecutter mem-. ber 290, to permit the forward movement of the stamp cutthereby'from the'stamp strip,

and to close the ga' 'eplate on the-initial portion'of the upwar member to thereby intercept the next approachingstamp' On'the plate 301-:is secured the wire 31 9 which-extends downward toward? the single stamp feed: band 310; and has an eatensio'n which prevents the undue raising upward of a. "si'nglestamp so fed forward.

A'sheetof stamps, or any portion of such. sheet. is placed on the stamp'slieet feed belt with its gunnn'ed surface downward," no"par ticular nicety 'of adjustmentuof the stamp sheet being necessary if the-forward edge 0 said, sheet is ara'llel with the rows :of stamps, d edgeof'the stamp sheetis pref.- oral-1y inserted beneath "the disks' of the presser, but this; is not essential tothe operation=of the machine and su'ch presser may be omitted if desired. a 7 I Ehvelops to be sealed stain arm sealed and'jstamped are placed ontlie belt 68 in piles with their flaps closed and are fedforward endwise against the springs 108,,which incline inward and permit the owerinost of the envelops to contact with the friction enlargements. of the separator roll 112 which rotating in a direction reverse "to that in which the onvelops are moving'prevents the further forward movement of .all of such movement 'of saidcutter envelop's except the lowest of the pile which,

being engaged by the roll 121 is carried for ward to and between the rolls 48 and 132, the envelops being thus successively fed for ward as they come into contact with said roll 121. in passing from between the rolls 48 and 132 to the rolls 49 and 139 the horizontal edge of the flap opener 69 enters beneath the envelop flap'and, as the envelop flap moves along, thebent portion 69' of this opener effects the turning of the flap away from the body of the envelop until the flap is substantially at right angles with the body when the flap enters between the plates 70 and 71 and, because ofthe length of'lts connection with the envelop, prevents the swerving of the envelop while passing thestamp applying position, in which movement it passes beneath the reservoir 189 and receives moisture on its stamp receiving face from the moisture pad of said reservoir.

In passing from the rolls 48132 to the rolls'49139 the front end of the envelop encounters the lever 152 and lifts, and sustains, the same while passing thereunder "thus effecting the rocking ofthe shaft 151 and the swinging of the circuit closer 154 thereon to complete the electric circuit X-Y through the magnet M whereby the armature A is attracted by said magnet and the levers 169 and 172 are drawn out of contact respeetively'with the pawls 145 and with the tothe sprocket 167 on the shaft 165 torotate said shaft and its cams 166 and 168; the cam 166 acts on the lever 163 to retract the circuit closer 160 and to open the circuit- 'XY whereby the arm 169 and the lever 172 are released, with the armature M, and

may be drawn back by their springs to -posi-.

ti'ons where they may respectively engage the pawl 145, to disengage the same from its ratchet, and the stop 153 to prevent the further rotation of the pawl plate 144 and the mechanism connected to be'driven by its rotation. v.

As the shaft 165, rotates its cam 168 works against the bearing 198 on the rod 196 to effect the swinging of thelever 195 and the depression of the frame 204 and the arms 210, to bring the stamp plate 211 of the arms '210 to the path of the envelop, after a stamp has been received by such plate, and to bring the tube roller 208 and the corrugated roll 209 to bear on the surface'of the stamp.

From the gear 179 motion is transmitted by the idle gear 236, on the shaft 234-, to the gear 240 on the shaft 241 which latter gear meshes with the gear 267 of the shaft 264 whereby this shaft, its cams 266 and 268, and the gears 265 and 269 are driven as are also the stamp strip feed belts 273273. The

single stamp cutter 290, and the detector 278 having the feeler 279 are vibrated toward and from the opening between the stamp strip feed belts 27327 3. The movement of this feeler 279 is necessarily limited by a stamp. sustained in its path by the stamp strip feed belts 273273 and hence the reciprocation of thepin 286 in its guide is 'similarlylim ted. When no stamp is presevsam ent beneath the feeler 27 9, said feeler s free to pass down between the belts 273-27 3- and to effect the drawing of the pin 286 wholly out of the path of the cam 24:3 whereupon said cam and its clutch member are moved by their spring into engagement with the clutch member of the gear 247 to drive this gear 247 and the gear 237 of the shaft 234 which meshes-therewith By the rotation of the shaft 234 this upper stamp stri cutter 253 is caused to swing upward and, quently, downward through the action of the cam 248, and the mechanism operated there by, while the stamp sheet feed belt 231 is operated by its chain and sprockets to feedforward a sheet of stamps on said belt, beneath the upper cutter member, until the forward edge of the stamp sheet isintercepted by the gage plate 259, the frictional engagement of the stamp sheet with, its feed belt permitting said sheet to adjust itself to bring the forward edge of'said sheet accurately against.

the sideoof the gage plate whereby the descending stamp strlp cutter will make a cut parallel with said forward edge of the stamp sheet.

It is to be understood that the connection subseand operation of the driving mechanism and of the, stamp strip cutting mechanism is, preferably, extremely rapid and, when the strip of stamps'drops on to the feed bands 273 273 said strip is fed rapidlylaterally toward the single stamp cutter 290 and, when said cutter is in the elevated position, on to the single stamp feed band-310 where its forward end is intercepted by the gage plate311 which prevents the forward movement of the stamp strip while the single 1 stamp cutter 290 descends and severs the stamp on the single stamp feed band from the strip of stamps and also effects the swinging of the gage plate 311 to permit the single stamp to pass tothe stamp supporting plate 211 of the arms 210. At this time an en- 'velop is timed to pass beneath the plate 211 having previously received moisture from the stamp position moistener as above described, the moistened area passing beneath the stamp supported by the plate 211, one edge of the stamp extending beyond the forward edge of said plate so that, as the frame 204- and the arms 210 are moved downward, this edge of the stamp is pressed down on to the moistened area of the envelop by the friction roll 209and as this edge portion of v the stamp adheres to the moistened area the stamp is drawn along by the envelop under the roll 209 which presses the stamp down on to the envelop. 7

After the stamp has" been applied the envelop is'carried forward bythe feeding rolls and moisture is applied to the gummed surface of the envelop fia bythe flap moisten ing r011 74 aftervwhic the flap comesiinto contact with the edge 96 of the flap closing 1 and from the body of the envelop the flaps may vary considerably in size and shape without being interfered with in their passage through the machine, while envelops of any size may be operated upon owing to the fact that the path of the envelops is not limited by the dimensions of the machine.

While we have herein described specific means for carrying our invention into practice we do not desire or intend to limit ourselves thereby to the specific features described.

Having thus described our invention, we

a claim as new and desire to secure by Letters an envelop, means for opening the while, so gui ed.

Patent. 1 I

1. An envelop stamping and sealing machine comprising means for feeding forward ap there of at an angle with the body, means for positively guiding the fla in the lengthwise direction to guide t ll meansfor a plying a stamp to the envelop 2. An envelop stamping and sealing machine comprising means for feeding forward an envelop 'endwise inthe horizontal position, means for turning the fia to a vertical position, means for guiding said flap in said position, a stamp position mpiaener, and means for applying a stamp to the moistened stamp position. a

3. An envelop stamping and sealing .machine comprising means for feeding forward an envelop, means for turning the flap thereof to an angle with the body, means for positively guiding the envelop flap in said position to guide the envelop, means for moistening the face of the envelop, means for applymg'a, .stamp thereto, means for subsequently moistening the flap, and means for turning the flap against the body of the envelop. I

4. An envelop sealing and stamping machine comprising series of rolls between which 'envelops 'may -'be fed lengthwise,

opener plate exten ing into the path of the l e envelop, and

envelops and having a curved member adapted to turn the envelop flaps away from their bodies, a guide adapted to receive the. flaps when so turned, a stamp position moistener, means for supporting the envelop close to the guide, and a stamp applying mechanism adapted to deliver a stamp to an envelop above said guide.

6. Envelop sealing and stamping means comprising an envelop feed, driving means therefor including a clutch member, stamp applying means having driving means includlng a clutch member, an electrically contro led release for such connection including a normally open electric circuit having terminals a circuit closer, a pivoted defltector, extending into the path of the .envelop, and connected with saldcircuit closer.

7.' Envelop sealingand stamping mechanism comprising stamp applyin means, driving mechamsm therefor inc uding a clutch member, envelop feeding means, driving means therefor including a clutch mem' ber, means for connectingsaid clutch members and electrically actuated means for'releasing said clutch connection.

8 Envelop sealin and stamping means comprising envelop feed driving mechanism including a clutch member, stamp a'p lying mechanism driving means also inclu ing a clutch member, means for connecting said clutch members, electrically actuated means for releasing said clutch connection including an electric circuit having two fixed terminals, a circuit closer means controlled by the resence of an envelop adjacent the stampmg position for actuating the circuit closer to close the circuit, and means for subseuently retracting said circuit closer to open t e circuit.

9. Envelop sealin and stamping means comprising envelop feed driving mechanism including a clutch member, stamp applying mechanism drivin means including a clutch member, means or connectin the clutch members, electrically controllet means for normally holding the clutch connection disengaged and preventing the rotation of the stamp applying means clutch member, a movable circuitcloser included in said electrical means, detector controlled means for presence of an envelop for moving said circuit closer to close the circuit, a lever pivotally mounted and in engagement with said circuit closer, a cam rotatably mounted adjacent to said lever, and means for driving said cam.

11. Envelop sealing and stamping mechanism comprising driving mechanism therefor comprising rotatable clutch members one of which "has a stop and a means for. engaging the other of said members, means normally bearing against said engaging means to hold the clutch members in the released position, movable means normally engaging said stop for preventing rotation of the clutch member having said stop and electrically controlled means for moving said bearingmeans and said movable means from their normal positions.

12. Envelop sealing and stamping means comp'risingrmeans for feeding forward e'nvelops endwise in horizontal position, means for opening the envelop flap, moistening means operable against said opened flap,

and stamp position moistening means adapted to supply moisture to the face of the envelop before the flap is moistened.

13. Envelopsealing and stamping means comprising means for feeding forward an envelop, means 'for molstemng the stamp receivlng face thereof, means for moistening the flap and stamp applying means located between said moisteners.

14. Envelop sealin'gand stamping mechanism comprising means for feedin forward envelops, means for moistening tie stamp receiving face thereof, means for moving a stamp toward said moistened area while the envelop is moving forward, and a presser under which the stamp is drawn by the moving envelop prior to the adhesion of the entire stamp.

15. Envelo'p sealing and stamping mechanism comprising means. for feeding forward envelops in succession, means for moistening the stamp receiving faces thereof, means for sustaining a single stamp abovethe path of the envelop, with a portionof its .gum'med surface unsupported, and means for depressing such stamp sustaining means to move the unsupported portion of said gummed surface into contact with the moistened area of an envelop. i

16. Envelop'sealing and stamping mechanism comprising means for feeding envelops forward, means for moistening the stamp receiving faces thereof, stamp 1 sustaining [means movably mounted above the path of the envelops, driving means therefor, a clutch connection between said driving means and feeding mechanism, and a denectcd to operate said driving means to move 'tector located in the path of the envelop by the movement of which the clutch is conthe stamp sustaining means toward the path of the envelop.

17. Envelop, sealing and stan'iping means comprising means for feeding envelops vforward, means for moistening the stamp re ceiving faces thereof, movable means for stamps above the path of the envelops, means for operating said sustaining means to move the same toward the pathof the envelope, and detector controlled means for bringing said operating means into action as an envelop approaches the stamping position.

nism comprising a movable stamp supporting and applying plate narrower than the stamp, means for moving the same, means for moistening the stamp receiving face of the envelop, and means for moving forward stamp.

19. Envelop sealing and stamping mechanism comprising means for feeding forward envelops, means for moistening the stamp receiving faces thereof, astamp sustaining plate movably mounted beyond one edge of which the stamp may extend, stamp pressing means mounted to move with the stamp sustaining means, and means for moving said stamp sustaining means and stamp pressing means toward the path of the envelo 20 Envelop sealing and stamping'means comprising means for feeding forward envelops, means for moistening the stamp receiving faces thereof, a stamp receiving plate narrower than "a stamp movably mounted above the path'of the envelop, means adapted to slightly press a stamp on said plate without retarding its forward movement, stamp pressing means mova-bly mounted beyond the edge of said plate, to act on the stamp in its progress from said plate, and means for moving said plate and said presser devices toward the path of the e'nvelops.

21. Envelop sealing and stamping means comprising envelop feeding means,'driving means therefor including a clutch member, a stamp sheet feed, driving means therefor including a clutch member complemental to that 'of the envelop feed driving means, and detector controlled means for effecting the engagement of said clutch members.

22. Envelop sealing-and stamping means comprising -a stamp sheet feed, driving means therefor including-a clutch member, a stamp strip cutter connected with said ported in the inoperative position by a that of the sheet feed driving means, and connections betweensaid clutch member and salddetector. v i

- '23. Envelop stamplng means comprising successively receiving and sustaining single driving means, a detector adapted to be sup 18. Envelop sealing and stamping mechathe envelop during the application the stamp, a clutch member complemental to a stamp strip feed consisting of a air of In testimony whereof we affix our signabelts, rolls and said belts mounted t ereon, tnres in presence of two witnesses.

and having an opening between said 'olls, a LAURITS M. NIELSEN. detector movably mounted in line with said HENRY WELLER. opening, and stamp sheet feed drivin mech- Witnesses:

anism therefor adapted to be broug t into LOUISE C. CLEARY, operation by the movement of said detector. H. J. MILLER. 

